Posted on 12/13/2006 12:46:10 PM PST by leadpenny
Edited on 12/13/2006 2:04:33 PM PST by Admin Moderator. [history]
http://capwiz.com/c-span/bio/?id=537&lvl=C&chamber=S
Sen. Johnson suffers possible stroke
12/13/2006, 4:53 p.m. ET
By MARY CLARE JALONICK
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota suffered a possible stroke Wednesday and was taken to a Washington hospital, his office said.
Johnson became disoriented during a call with reporters at midday, stuttering in response to a question. He appeared to recover, asking if there were any additional questions before ending the call.
If he should be unable to continue to serve, it could halt the scheduled Democratic takeover of the Senate. Democrats won a 51-49 majority in the November election. South Dakota's governor, who would appoint any temporary replacement, is a Republican.
Johnson spokeswoman Julianne Fisher said he had walked back to his Capitol office after the call with reporters but appeared to not be feeling well. The Capitol physician came to his office and examined him, and it decided he needed to go to the hospital.
He was taken by ambulance to George Washington University Hospital around noon, Fisher said.
"It was caught very early," she said.
Johnson's office released a statement saying he had suffered a possible stroke.
"At this stage, he is undergoing a comprehensive evaluation by the stroke team," the statement read.
The White House issued a statement wishing him a speedy recovery.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Senator Johnson and his family," said spokesman Alex Conant.
If the two-term senator, 59, is unable to serve when the 110th Congress convenes Jan. 4, South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds would appoint a replacement. Johnson had surgery for prostate cancer in 2004. He is up for re-election in 2008.
South Dakota Secretary of State Chris Nelson said there are no special restrictions on such an appointment and a replacement would not have to be from the same political party.
Johnson turns 60 on Dec. 28. The centrist Democrat was elected to the Senate in 1996 and has been one of the more reserved members of the chamber, rarely taking center stage at news conferences.
He served in the House for 10 years from 1987 to 1997. His focus has been on committee assignments important to his state's interests — Indian Affairs and Energy and Natural Resources — as well as a spot on Appropriations. The latter allows him to direct funds to South Dakota.
Johnson has worked as a lawyer and county prosecutor and served several years in the 1970s and 1980s in the South Dakota state Legislature.
Off the top of my head, I know Webb and McCain have children in the military.
We've often heard of "bleeding heart liberals". Now we know of one "bleeding head liberal".
Have you all noticed that there was no briefing by a Doctor.
That is pretty damning that the Dems did not want anyone to know how much and to what extent the damage was. Harry Reid wasn't ther all night and day for nothing. Reid is a snake.
Confirm this fact is also being reported on radio broadcasts.NPR played the conference call as recorded and the verbal confusion suffered by the Senator as the medical event occured.( sic!)
The neurological damage of Asteriovenous Malformation can be similar to a stroke in which blood vessels rupture. The extent of the damage cannot be assessed until aftercorrective surgey, and in this case, will likely take a long time.
I feel sorry that he is caught in the middle of power politics, but the reality is that he likely will have to be replaced, and the Republican Governor will undoubtedly appoint a Republican, thus changing the balance of power in the Senate.
Yes, I noticed that. Practically any medical crisis that makes the news is soon followed by the physician/surgeon giving a press conference. I don't know if it means Johnson is far worse than believed or if it's just too early for doctors to go on the record but it does seem odd not to hear from them.
Unless he dies he will not be replaced. There will be no change in power in the Senate.
Very Sad. I pray he makes a full recovery and my thoughts are with his family at this time. I wouldn't even wish a stroke on Pelosi or Teddy the Tippler.
He's Republican... which would bring us to a 50/50. And the Pres of the Senate is a Republican too!
Yeah, tough break. Get well soon, Tom.
"Yeah, tough break. Get well soon, Tom."
I also hope he Senator Johnson gets well soon. Are there any updates on how he is doing?
It was a joke. Guess you didn't see the cartoon.
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